Legal Definitions - expectation

Expectation refers to a belief or anticipation about a future event or outcome. In a legal context, it often describes the prospect of receiving a future benefit, such as property, a right, or a privilege. Importantly, an expectation is distinct from an intention. While one might expect a certain result, this does not mean they necessarily desire or aim to bring about that result; it is simply a belief about what is likely to happen.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of expectation:

• Example 1 (Inheritance): Sarah's grandmother has a will that names Sarah as the sole heir to her antique jewelry collection. While her grandmother is still alive, Sarah has an expectation of inheriting the collection.

  This illustrates an expectation as the prospect of receiving a future benefit. Sarah anticipates receiving the jewelry based on the existing will, but this is not a guaranteed present right and does not imply she *intends* her grandmother's death; it's simply a belief about a future event.

• Example 2 (Contractual Agreements): A software company signs a contract with a client to deliver a custom application in six months. Based on their past performance and the agreed-upon timeline, the client has an expectation that the software will be delivered on schedule and meet the specified requirements.

  Here, the expectation is a belief about a future outcome (timely delivery of functional software) based on a contractual agreement and the company's reputation. The client anticipates this outcome, but they don't *intend* the software to build itself; they expect the company to fulfill its obligations.

• Example 3 (Public Safety and Regulations): After a city council passes a new ordinance requiring all public parks to install safety fencing around playgrounds, parents in the community have an expectation that these fences will be installed within the stipulated timeframe.

  This demonstrates an expectation as an anticipation of a future event (installation of fences) based on a new legal requirement. The parents believe the city will comply with its own ordinance, forming a basis for their anticipation of improved safety, without them *intending* the city to perform the work themselves.